Velvet is another of Wharfe Valley's rescues which I wanted to show...
All of her litter mates died after their mum and dad were related and had deformed babies.
We had known for some time that she had hip problems as she kicked her back legs out when she walked. It wasn't bothering her so we just monitored her. After a year we could tell she was in pain. She was slow to get out of bed and preferred to lay down, even to eat and stopped playing out. We had to make a decision, do we call it a day, do we amputate the leg or what. Our Vet took new X-Rays and showed them to an Orthopaedic Consultant who thought the best option was to remove the top from the worst hip. We couldn't risk amputating as it would put too much strain on her other crumbling hip and if that one deteriorated then she would be doomed.
Those of you who know cats well will wonder how on earth Velvet coped in the water, I bet you cannot imagine your cat going for a swim.....or can you. I don't think any of my own cats would volunteer. As Velvet was a handrear she is imprinted on humans and a simple soul really. I can't say she enjoyed swimming but she wasn't distressed. It got her walking much more quickly so was worth it. In between her visits to the pool, she had extra lessons in the fosterers bath. It had to be filled right to the top and she swam from end to end wearing her little harness. She keeps clear of the bathroom now. She needed to improve her wasted muscles as quickly as possible. It was a long two weeks, there didn't seem to be much improvement, then suddenly she got her confidence back and started walking and hasn't looked back. She runs up the garden and chases anything that moves, loves a rough and tumble with the other cats. She is a kitten again. She needs daily medication to try and stop any further damage so will always cost the branch, but it is all worth it when you see that she is so happy. She will probably need her other hip operating on but lets hope she can enjoy the summer first.
Thanks to all who helped Velvet, the staff at Carlton Cattery Hydrotherapy Pool and their Physiotherapist who offered their services for free and also to Andy the Vet who made it all possible.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnk3XjQQcSg
